AFG vs ZIM: Opening batsmen Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran recorded a batting masterclass as Afghanistan swept Zimbabwe 3-0 in the two teams’ final T20I contest in Harare. A blazing 159-run opening partnership set the tone for a nine-wicket win as Afghanistan posted 210 for 3 to seal the series in style.
Despite a brilliant effort from Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, and Ryan Burl, Zimbabwe fell just short in their chase. Afghanistan’s win capped a remarkable turn of fortunes on tour, especially after the heavy defeat in the one-off Test at the beginning.
AFG vs ZIM: Afghanistan’s Explosive Powerplay
Gurbaz set the tone of the innings right in the first over as Wellington Masakadza was taken apart. He made 19 runs that rattled Zimbabwe’s attack early on.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Zadran joined him in the fourth over, as he slammed four successive boundaries off Tinotenda Maposa. At the end of the powerplay, Afghanistan soared to 73 for 0 – their third-highest six-over total in T20Is.
AFG vs ZIM: Gurbaz and Ibrahim’s record stand sets up 210
After the powerplay, the duo shifted gears intelligently. While Sikandar Raza bowled economically (4-0-20-0), runs kept flowing from the other end. The 14th over from Ryan Burl went for 30 runs, with Gurbaz hammering five boundaries and two sixes in a show of sheer dominance.
Gurbaz finally fell to a brilliant 92 off 48 balls, which included eight fours and five sixes, as Raza took a great running catch. Ibrahim Zadran was the next to fall for 60 off 45 before Sediqullah Atal’s quickfire 35 off 15 helped Afghanistan reach an imposing 210 for 3, a target which Zimbabwe just couldn’t scale.
AFG vs ZIM: Raza and Bennett Fight Back for Zimbabwe
Chasing 211, Zimbabwe’s start was far from ideal as Dion Myers was run out and Brendan Taylor fell cheaply. However, Sikandar Raza and Brian Bennett resurrected the innings with a scintillating 85-run partnership off 48 balls.
Raza’s fifty came off just 28 deliveries, featuring trademark aggression pulling short balls and slicing through covers. Bennett, too, impressed with inventive strokeplay, including a ramp over fine leg and a crisp drive past mid-off.
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But luck deserted Raza when a sweep off Mohammad Nabi ricocheted off his glove and pad onto the stumps. Bennett’s departure for 47 left Zimbabwe at 126 for 4, denting their chase.
AFG vs ZIM: Fareed and Ahmadzai Seal the Series for Afghanistan
Late fireworks from Ryan Burl (37 off 15) and Tashinga Musekiwa briefly reignited Zimbabwe’s hopes, but Afghanistan’s bowlers held firm. With 39 needed off the last three overs, Fareed Ahmad turned the game with two quick wickets bowling Clive Madande and having Brad Evans caught brilliantly by Gurbaz.
During the death overs, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Abdollah Ahmadzai kept their cool. The final over by Ahmadzai was clinical: a deadly yorker, then a swinging inswinger that bowled Maposa, before he held on for the final catch to be taken, courtesy of Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Zimbabwe were bowled out as Afghanistan celebrated another AFG vs ZIM triumph.
AFG vs ZIM Series Summary
Result: Afghanistan won 1st T20I:
2nd T20I: Afghanistan won
3rd T20I: Afghanistan won by 9 runs
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Series Result: Afghanistan 3-0 Zimbabwe The 3-0 sweep by Afghanistan means they have now won 19 of the 21 T20Is played against Zimbabwe, a record that speaks volumes of their increasingly growing stature in world T20 cricket.
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